Ulstein Thor nuclear-powered superyacht concept teased

The concept was penned by Norwegian shipbuilder and designer Ulstein as part of a study looking at how it could make cruising more environmentally sustainable.

The resupply, research and rescue concept was penned by Norwegian shipbuilder and designer Ulstein as part of a study looking at how it could make cruising more environmentally sustainable.

However, while the concept looks everything like a billionaire’s fancy, instead it is designed primarily as a support vessel for up to four other “Sif” superyachts, recharging their batteries and resupplying them out of port so that they can stay longer out on the water.

Not only that, it can provide all the power needed to recharge smaller vessels such as tenders – use your superyacht’s battery-powered fishing-focussed tender to duck over to the Thor for the weekly provisions, and get a top-up recharge while you're there browsing the aisles.

“Thor’s charging capacity has been scaled to satisfy the power needs of four expedition cruise ships simultaneously,” Ulstein said.

“Thor itself would never need to refuel. As such, Thor is intended to provide a blueprint for entirely self-sufficient vessels of the future.

According to nuclear fuel specialist, Norwegian University of Science and Technology professor Jan Emblemsvag, molten salt reactors have enormous potential for enabling clean shipping. 

“There is so much uncertainty over future fuels, but here we have an abundant energy source that, with the right approach, can be safe, much more efficient, cheaper, with a smaller environmental footprint than any existing alternative,” Emblemsvag said.

“From my perspective, I see this as the most viable, and potentially the only credible, solution for a zero-emission fleet that can operate under commercial terms and cost levels. 

“The Thor concept is exactly the kind of innovation we need for sustainable success at sea.”

One of the challenges that Ulstein will have is the realisation that molten salt reactor technology is still in its infancy.

While safer than conventional nuclear reactor technology, one of the problems is that the reactors are very maintenance-heavy as the molten salts are extremely harsh.

On the plus side, molten salt fusion is infinitely safer to control than a conventional nuclear reaction.

Only two molten salt reactors have ever been built, back in the 1960s and ’70s, so the wait for the first Ulstein Thor to hit the water may be a long one.